Silver Spring, Md. -- Worldwide lodging franchisor Choice Hotels International, Inc. (NYSE: CHH) would like to congratulate all of its 2008-2009 Platinum and Gold Hospitality Award Winners. As one of the most prestigious property-level awards given by the franchisor, this year’s Platinum Award recipients included 118 Choice brand hotels with another 281 properties receiving the Gold Award.

“In an economy where many travelers are looking to save more on their lodging, this is where these hotels truly shine, not only representing the best of the best but also the great added value and savings that a Choice hotel can offer,” said Steve Joyce, president and chief executive officer for Choice Hotels. “To have so many Choice brand hotels receive this distinguished honor is truly special and we’re very proud to have each and every one of these hotels as part of the Choice family.”

As the highest performers within a domestic system of over 4,700 properties, these 399 Hospitality Award-winning hotels have demonstrated an exceptional focus and dedication to guest satisfaction in all of their day-to-day operations. Platinum Award-winning Choice hotels represent the top three percent of properties within their specific brand, determined by an official annual ranking report conducted by Choice Hotels. Properties receiving Gold Award status are evaluated on the same criteria, representing the top ten percent of hotels within their brand.

For more information on the 2008-2009 Platinum and Gold Hospitality Award Winners from Choice Hotels International, visit choicehotels.com to look for each winning hotel’s special award emblem.

About Choice Hotels

Choice Hotels International franchises more than 5,800 hotels, representing more than 470,000 rooms, in the United States and more than 30 countries and territories. As of December 31, 2008, 987 hotels are under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in the United States, representing 78,915 rooms, and an additional 121 hotels, representing 10,190 rooms, are under construction, awaiting conversion or approved for development in more than 15 countries and territories. The company's Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion, Cambria Suites, MainStay Suites, Suburban Extended Stay Hotel, Econo Lodge and Rodeway Inn brands serve guests worldwide. In addition, via its Ascend Collection membership program, travelers in the United States, Canada and the Caribbean have upscale lodging options at historic, boutique and unique hotels.

Additional corporate information may be found on the Choice Hotels Web site, which may be accessed at .